Collins, Hochul last day of campaigning

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The race between Congresswoman Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Chris Collins has been one of the hottest Congressional campaigns western New York has even seen.

If the latest Sienna Research poll is any indication of the election, a solid day of campaigning could win the 27th Congressional District. Sunday morning's poll showed Collins had a narrow 48 percent to 47 percent lead over Hochul with a nearly 4 percent margin of error.

Both candidates covered many miles in Erie County Monday to reach as many voters as they could.

"We started our day at 6:45 with the Ford stamping plant. We were just out in Livingston County talking with people who work in the American Rock Salt Mine. And in between, we've been at any place that had more than two cars," Hochul said.

Collins spent the morning in Canandaigua before returning to Erie County, where the Republican Party energized their supporters before Election Day.

Collins said, "These are many of the people that have been manning the phones. They're going to be back on the phones tomorrow, if need be, giving people rides to the polls. So energizing our voters to get out and vote. We've identified them over the last three to four months and now we got to make sure they get out and vote."

There are still plenty of undecided voters in the 27th District. Both candidates are doing everything they can to try and sway votes their way.

Hochul spent the day telling voters about her partisanship.

"That's what I'm hearing all over and why Republicans are voting for me in this election and the Democrats and Independents are with me and that's the coalition we're going to piece together for a victory tomorrow," Hochul said.

Collins noted, "We're seeing a lot of good news on the absentee fronts. A lot more Republicans are returning their ballots than Democrats. We've got a voter advantage, we're leading in the poll. I think we have everything working in our favor."

This week, the New York Times listed the Collins-Hochul battle as one of the 10 most exciting races to watch in the nation.